SGB Update Outdoor
August U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Decline is Highest in Two Years
U.S. consumer confidence fell the most in two years as pessimism on the labor market, higher borrowing costs and stubborn inflation curbed optimism. The Conference Board continues to expect a recession before the year’s end.
MC Sports’ Mort Finkelstein Passes Away
Mort Finkelstein, the co-founder of the MC Sports chain, passed away on August 17. He was 93.
Elevate Outdoor Collective Names North America Race Manager
The company promoted Harry Goss to North America race manager for Völkl skis, Dalbello boots, Marker bindings, and accessories.
Nomadix Names New Brand Marketing Manager
Nomadix, the maker of The Only Towel You Need, made from post-consumer recycled materials, promoted Elyse Cornett to brand marketing manager, responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies.
Active Brands Group Hires E-Commerce Manager
Sweden-based ABG hired Rohan Callander as e-commerce manager responsible on expanding the DTC business for its portfolio of brands.
Haro Bikes Names Supply Chain Director
As part of the brand’s global restructuring, Haro Bikes, based in Vista, CA, hired Grasie Ooi as supply chain director.
Wolverine’s Debt Ratings Lowered by Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the debt ratings of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., reflecting the company’s significant earnings decline in Q2 2023 and Moody’s expectations for continued weak near-term performance. S&P Global Ratings similarly recently reduced its rating.
Malibu Boats Swings to Fiscal Q4 Loss Despite Saltwater Fishing Sales Gain
The increase in net sales for the quarter was reportedly driven primarily by increased unit volumes in the Saltwater Fishing segment and a favorable model mix across all segments.
Report Forecasts Flattish Online Growth in U.S. for Holiday 2023
Salesforce’s 2023 Holiday Forecast calls for 4 percent global and 1 percent U.S. year-over-year online sales growth across November and December, reaching $1.19 trillion and $273 billion, respectively.
OrthoLite Bolsters Sales Team in China
OrthoLite added to its sales management team in China, appointing Chuck Yu as director of sales strategy and John Liu as sales manager.
Mercury Marine, Labor Union Ink New Five-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
The new contract, which will remain in place through September 30, 2028, was voted in favor by the members of the IAMAW Lodge 1947 and will be signed by Mercury Marine and the IAMAW.
Authentic Reaches Deal for Hunter Boots IP in China
Authentic reached an agreement for Baozun, Inc. to acquire the intellectual property rights to Hunter boots for distribution in China and Southeast Asia.
Pure Fishing’s Debt Rating Upgraded
S&P Global revised its issuer credit rating on Pure Fishing from the SD (selective default) rating given earlier last week, after the company’s sponsor, Sycamore Partners Management, bought up some of its debt at a significant discount to face value.
Bass Pro Shops Set to Open In Loveland, CO
Bass Pro Shops announced plans today to open a retail store in Loveland, CO. The opening of the 130,000-square-foot Outdoor World, expected to open in 2025, is the retailer’s sixth Bass Pro Shop in Colorado.
Pinnacle Outdoor Group Names Sarah Maher General Manager
The agency said Maher had been operating in this role since 2022, overseeing strategic development and sales operations in addition to her role as the agency’s Vermont sales rep.